AUTOGRAPH

[Sir Henry Wade, urologist, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.] Five Typed Letters Signed: four to Waterston and one to his doctor (regarding treatment for suspected bowel cancer), with reminiscences and discussing homeopathy.

Author: 
Sir Henry Wade, urologist, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh [David Waterston (1871-1942), Bute Professor of Anatomy, University of St Andrews, debunker of Piltdown Man hoax]
Publication details: 
The five letters from 1940, and all on letterhead of 6 Manor Place Edinburgh.
£250.00

Wade donated his extensive collection of anatomical specimens to Surgeon's Hall in Edinburgh, where it is now known as the Henry Wade Collection. In 1913 Waterston had attained prominence as the first authority to discredit the Piltdown Man hoax. A total of 6pp, 8vo. The first addressed to Waterston’s doctor at St Andrews, Orr, the others to Waterston himself. None of the letters is short, and all but the second are single-spaced. The first (to Waterston’s doctor, Orr) is 2pp, the others (all four to Waterston himself) 1p. In fair condition, lightly aged and ruckled.

[Sir Humphry Davy Rolleston, English physician and medical author.] Autograph Note Signed, thanking ‘Waterston’ [Professor David Waterston of St Andrews] for ‘the reprint of the article on Mackenzie’s heart’.

Author: 
Sir Humphry Davy Rolleston (1862-1944), prominent English physician and medical author [Professor David Waterston (1871-1942) of St Andrews, anatomist; Piltdown Man hoax]
Publication details: 
16 September 1939. On letterhead of Martins, Haslemere, Surrey.
£50.00

See Rolleston's entry in the Oxford DNB. He was successively president of the London Medical Society, the Royal Society of Medicine, the Royal College of Physicians and the Eugenics Society, and was also Physician-in-Ordinary to King George V. Waterston was Bute Professor of Anatomy at the University of St Andrews from 1914 to 1942. In 1913, while Professor of Anatomy at King's College, London, he was the first authority to debunk the Piltdown Man hoax. 1p, 16mo. Lightly ruckled, and with the ink of the letter having run a little through removal from mount; otherwise in good condition.

[Sir Samuel Romilly, abolitionist and legal reformer.] Autograph Letter in the third person to ‘Mr. Williams’, explaining that he will be finishing ‘the Bill in this Cause’ while out of town.

Author: 
Sir Samuel Romilly (1757-1818), abolitionist and legal reformer of Huguenot descent
Publication details: 
15 September 1794. Lincoln’s Inn [London].
£50.00

See his long entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 12mo. In good condition, with negligible remnants of windowpane mount adhering at edges of blank reverse. Reads: ‘Mr. Romilly presents his compliments to Mr. Williams and informs him that he is obliged to go out of Town tomorrow & that he has not been able to finish the Bill in this Cause but he will take it with him into the Country & send it to Mr. W. in two or three days’.

[The Child Welfare Centre, St Andrews; child welfare specialist.] Three Autograph Letters Signed from Elenora Simpson of the James Mackenzie Institute, St Andrews, to her Professor David Waterston, regarding research and data.

Author: 
The Child Welfare Centre, St Andrews [Elenora Simpson of the James Mackenzie Institute for Clinical Research; Professor David Waterston (1871-1942)]
Publication details: 
26 December 1939; and 10 August and 8 October 1940. All three on letterhead of The James Mackenzie Institute for Clinical Research, St Andrews, Fife.
£180.00

As a result of her pioneering work at the Child Welfare Centre at St Andrews, Simpson was appointed to a sub-committee of the Scientific Advisory Committee set up by the Department of Health (see Jaqueline Jenkinson, ‘Scotland’s Health 1919-1948’, 2002). Waterston was Bute Professor of Anatomy at the University of St Andrews from 1914 to 1942. In 1913, while Professor of Anatomy at King's College, London, he was the first authority to debunk the Piltdown Man hoax.

[The Earl of Shaftesbury to Lord John Russell.] Autograph Letter Signed to Russell, regarding a memorial to Rev. Sir William Dunbar, ‘a very deserving man’ whom he considers was ‘grossly treated’ by Bishop Skinner of Aberdeen.

Author: 
The Earl of Shaftesbury [Anthony Ashley Cooper, Seventh Earl of Shaftesbury] (1801-1885), politician and philanthropist [Lord John Russell; William Skinner, Bishop of Aberdeen; Sir William Dunbar]
Publication details: 
14 November 1851. No place.
£60.00

An interesting letter, indicating the piety underlining Shaftesbury’s philanthropy. See his long entry in the Oxford DNB, which sums up his achievements as ‘very substantial’ and ‘a source of enduring inspiration to others’, together with those of Russell and Skinner, the last of which contains, regarding the part of the ‘Drummondite controversy’ relating to the Rev.

[Lord Granville [Granville George Leveson-Gower, 2nd Earl Granville], Liberal politician.] Original unpublished Autograph Poem (‘Oh! Mr. Delane, Oh! Mr. Delane’) to the editor of The Times, with reference to Landseer, Sir Robert Peel and others.

Author: 
Lord Granville [Granville George Leveson-Gower (1815-1891), 2nd Earl Granville], Leader of the Liberal Party in the House of Lords [John Thadeus Delane (1817-1879), editor of The Times]
Publication details: 
23 June 1861. On letterhead of 16 Bruton Street, London, W.
£120.00

See both men's entries in the Oxford DNB. 3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, folded twice for postage, and with negligible remnants of windowpane mount adhering at edges of blank reverse of second leaf. A pleasant specimen of ‘Vers de société’ (The recipient's entry in the Oxford DNB states that 'In the social circles which Delane frequented [...] he was welcomed as a delightful companion').The poem consists of twenty-two lines in heroic couplets, unsigned and without any other text. The poem reads as follows: ‘Oh! Mr. Delane, Oh! Mr.

[Sholto Mackenzie, 2nd Baron Amulree, physician and geriatrician.] Autograph Letter Signed to Professor Waterston of St Andrews, thanking him for an article on the heart of his uncle Sir James Mackenzie.

Author: 
Sholto Mackenzie [Basil William Sholto Mackenzie, 2nd Baron Amulree (1900-1983)], physician and advocate of geriatric medicine, nephew of Sir James Mackenzie [Professor David Waterston of St Andrews]
Publication details: 
22 September 1939. On letterhead of 42 Queen Anne’s Gate, S.W.1 [London]
£50.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. David Waterston (1871-1942) was Bute Professor of Anatomy at the University of St Andrews from 1914 to 1942. In 1913, while Professor of Anatomy at King's College, London, he was the first authority to debunk the Piltdown Man hoax. 2pp, 12mo. Sixteen lines of text. In fair condition, lightly aged, with slight ruckling and bleeding due to removal from mount. Signed ‘Sholto Mackenzie’ and addressed to ‘Dear Professor Waterston’.

[J. C. Herries, Conservative politician and banker.] Autograph Letter Signed expressing a desire to be ‘enrolled among the Members of the Club for promoting the Authors of Science Literature & the Arts’.

Author: 
J. C. Herries [John Charles Herries] (1778-1855), Tory and Conservative politician and banker
Publication details: 
28 March 1824. 10 Great George Street [London].
£50.00

1p, 4to. In good condition, lightly aged, with negligible remnants of windowpane mount adhering at edges of reverse (which has the catalogue entry for the item laid down on the reverse). Folded for postage. Reads: ‘Sir / In reply to the letter which I have had the honor of receiving from you I beg leave to communicate to you my wish to be enrolled among the Members of the Club for promoting the Authors of Science Literature & the Arts / I have the honor to be / Sir / Your obedient / humble Servant / J C Herries’.

[John William Struthers, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.] Autograph Letter Signed and two Typed Letters Signed to Professor David Waterston of St Andrews, discussing golf and other matters in a lightly-humorous style.

Author: 
John William Struthers (1874-1953), Scottish surgeon, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh [Professor David Waterston (1871-1942) of St Andrews]
Publication details: 
The two TLsS, 20 March and 5 April 1941. The ALS, 10 August 1941. All on letterhead of Sandy-Knowe, Gullane [Scotland],
£150.00

Struthers served as a major in the Royal Army Medical Corps during the Great War. He was a pioneer in the use of local anaesthetic, and wrote a well-regarded work on the topic. He was President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh from 1941 to 1943. Waterston was Bute Professor of Anatomy at the University of St Andrews from 1914 to 1942. In 1913, while Professor of Anatomy at King's College, London, he was the first authority to debunk the Piltdown Man hoax. The three items are in fair condition, lightly aged, with slight ruckling and aging. All three are folded for postage.

[Lady Salisbury, wife of the Prime Minister.] Autograph Letter Signed to Charlotte Mary Yonge, discussing ‘the original casket letters’ of Mary Queen of Scots found by Dr Brewer at Hatfield House.

Author: 
Lady Salisbury, wife of Prime Minister the Marquis of Salisbury [Georgina Caroline Gascoyne-Cecil [née Alderson] (1826-1899), Marchioness of Salisbury; Charlotte Mary Yonge (1823-1901), author]
Publication details: 
10 September [circa 1882]. From Castel du Parc, Royat-les-Bains, Clermont Ferrand, Puy de Dome, France; on cancelled Hatfield House letterhead.
£150.00

See her own entry in the Oxford DNB, as a ‘political wife’, and that of Yonge, whose ‘Unknown to History: A Story of the Captivity of Mary of Scotland’ was published in 1882. 3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. Signed ‘G Salisbury’ and addressed to ‘Miss Yonge’. In good condition, with negligible remnants of windowpane mount adhering at edges. ‘One of the original casket letters was found at Hatfield some years ago by Dr Brewer who was then looking over the papers on behalf of the Record Office to which he belonged - Also a copy of another - of the same date.

[Francis Horner, Scottish Whig politician, journalist and political economist; Slave Trade] Autograph Letter Signed to ‘Harrison’, regarding ‘Stephen’s book’, a pardon for thieves, the Attorney General, ‘Thorpe’, and the General Assembly.

Author: 
Francis Horner (1778-1817), Scottish Whig politician, Member of Parliament and political economist, one of the founders of the Edinburgh Review [Harrison]
Publication details: 
1 April 1815. Taunton [Somerset].
£220.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. At the time of writing, a year and a half before his death, Horner was Member of Parliament for St. Mawes in Cornwall. 1p, 4to. Eighteen lines, neatly written. Addressed to ‘My dear Harrison’ and signed ‘Fra Horner.’ In good condition, lightly aged, with negligible remnants of windowpane mount adhering at edges of blank reverse. Folded for postage. He has received both of Harrison’s letters, and is ‘particularly obliged’ to him for ‘sending the copy of Stephen’s communication.

[The Father of Grand Opera: Giacomo Meyerbeer.] Autograph Note in French in the third person while in London, accepting a dinner invitation from Lady Molesworth.

Author: 
Giacomo Meyerbeer [né Jakob Liebmann Beer] (1791-1864), German composer of Jewish birth, who established the ‘grand opera’ genre [Andalusia Molesworth, Lady Molesworth]
Meyerbeer
Publication details: 
15 July 1859. London.
£180.00
Meyerbeer

Meyerbeer is said to have been the most frequently performed opera composer during the nineteenth century. He encouraged and supported the young Wagner, who turned on him viciously later in life. Lady Molesworth (née Andalusia Carstairs, d.1888) had herself been a professional singer. She was the widow of Sir William Molesworth (1810-55), founder of the London Review and owner, under the editorship of John Stuart Mill, of the Westminster Review.

[Henry Alford, Dean of Canterbury and biblical scholar.] Autograph Letter Signed, declaring that he knows nothing about sailors.

Author: 
Henry Alford (1810-1871), Dean of Canterbury and biblical scholar
Publication details: 
7 April 1866. No place.
£38.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, 16mo. The recipient is not named. In good condition, folded for postage. Amusingly succinct. Begins: ‘Dear Sir / You could not possibly have applied to a worse person than myself about sailors. I know nothing about them, & cannot conceive what can have caused the application. / I am / dear Sir / truly yours / Henry Alford’.

[Dr John H. Mulligan of St Andrew’s University.] Three long Autograph Letters Signed to his colleague Professor Waterston, while serving as Lieutenant with a Field Ambulance.

Author: 
Dr John H. Mulligan, senior lecturer of Neuro-Anatomy and Histology in the Anatomy Department at St Andrew’s University [David Waterston (1871-1942), Bute Professor of Anatomy, St Andrews]
Publication details: 
8 September 1939; and 9 February and 28 April 1940. All from 152 (HD) Field Ambulance, R.A.M.C. (T.A.), B.E.F., the first also from Dundee, the second and third written from France.
£180.00

Mulligan’s collection of lantern slides is now part of the St Andrew’s collections, and information about him is to be gleaned from its web pages. David Waterston (1871-1942) was Bute Professor of Anatomy at the University of St Andrews from 1914 to 1942. In 1913, while Professor of Anatomy at King's College, London, he was the first authority to debunk the Piltdown Man hoax. A total of ten pages of closely and neatly written text. In fair condition, lightly ruckled, and with slight loss to the edge of one page, and the ink of one leaf having slightly run on removal from mount.

[Edward Ellice of Invergarry, Liberal politician and Scottish highland landowner; Delane] Autograph Letter Signed to J. T. Delane, editor of The Times, discussing his position on the Scotch Education Bill, and providing parliamentary gossip about it.

Author: 
Edward Ellice (1810-1880) of Invergarry, Liberal politician and extensive Scottish highland landowner [John Thadeus Delane (1817-1879), editor of The Times]
Publication details: 
10 August 1869. Invergarry [Scotland].
£65.00

The two men’s entries in the Oxford DNB show that they were well matched: Ellice was known for his ‘extravagant lifestyle’, building at Invergarry ‘a house which was renowned for its comfort’; and Delane ‘was welcomed as a delightful companion.' 6pp, 12mo. Headed ‘Private’, addressed to ‘My dear Delane’, and signed ‘E. Ellice’. On bifolium and single leaf, both with mourning border. In good condition, lightly aged, with negligible remnants of windowpane mount adhering at edges of blank reverse. Folded for postage. He was ‘delighted’ to see Delane’s ‘onslaught on the Scotch Education Bill.

[F.M. Jan Smuts; Art in South Africa] Typed Message Signed (illegibly) Jan C. Smuts presumably. See image.

Author: 
Field Marshal Jan Christian Smuts, (1870 – 1950), South African statesman, military leader and philosopher
Smuts
Publication details: 
[c.1948?]
£100.00
Smuts

One page, 4to, good condition. He shows appreciation for the work of the Empire Art Vouncil promoting South African Art with exhibitions, adding, By encouraging the interchange of knowledge about each other's culture, such exhibitions can be of inestimable value in the promotion of understanding between nations. See image for full text.

[Francis Egerton, 1st Earl of Ellesmere, politician and poet.] Autograph Note Signed, to Octavian Blewitt, stating his intention to vote for his election as Secretary to the ‘Literary Fund Society’ [Royal Literary Fund].

Author: 
Francis Egerton [formerly Leveson-Gower] (1800-1857), 1st Earl of Ellesmere, politician and poet [Octavian Blewitt (1810-1884), Secretary of the Royal Literary Fund]
Publication details: 
[February 1839?]
£40.00

See the two men’s entries in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 12mo. With mourning border. In good condition, with negligible remnants of windowpane mount adhering at edges of blank reverse. Written with a light touch, making the dating doubtful. Signed ‘F Egerton’ and addressed to ‘O. Blewitt Esq.’ Reads: ‘Sir / In reply to your letter I beg to state that it is my intention to vote for you in the election to the Secretaryship of the Literary Fund Society.’

[‘Slatin Pasha’: Sir Rudolf von Slatin, Inspector-General of the Sudan.] Autograph Signature and part of Autograph Letter (vertical half- see image) to ‘Jackson’.[Jackson Pasha?]

Author: 
‘Slatin Pasha’ [Major-General Sir Rudolf Anton Carl Freiherr von Slatin (1857-1932), Inspector-General of the Sudan]
Slatin
Slatin2
Publication details: 
29 October 1907. On ‘Khartoum’ [Sudan] letterhead.
£200.00
Slatin
Slatin2

The entry for Slatin in the Oxford DNB gives a good outline of the life of this adventurer. The present item forms half of a 4to leaf, torn down the middle vertically, no doubt in order to provide an autograph. In good condition, lightly aged. Written lengthwise on the reverse, in a large bold hand, is the valediction: ‘Hoping that you are fit & well / Yours ever / R Slatin’.

[George Goschen; Delane of 'The Times'] Autograph Note Signed George Goschen to Mr Delane [Editor, The Times] about a Minute of his.

Author: 
George Goschen [George Joachim Goschen, 1st Viscount Goschen, (1831 – 1907), statesman and businessman].
Publication details: 
No place, 18 Nov.[no year]
£42.00

One page, 12mo, black-bordered, also bordered by slightly stiffer paper (frame). I enclose a proof (confidential) of my Minute. I have since altered the beginning but in the main the plan is sketched out, as, I think, it will ultmately stand. I hope you will concur - the [views?] , I wish we had funds at our disposal to carry out the arrangements [of?] our [own?] offices. At the very least this indicates how close Government and The Times were.

[Earl of Carnarvon, Secretary of State for the Colonies; Gold Coast (Ghana)] Substantial Autograph Letter Signed Carnarvon to Mr [John Thadeus] Delane, Editor of 'The Times' about trade (and its political side effect) in the Gold Coast.

Author: 
Henry Howard Molyneux Herbert, 4th Earl of Carnarvon, politician
Publication details: 
[Embossed address] Highclere Castle, Newbury, 3 April 1874. Private.
£90.00

Four page, 12mo, in very narrow frame of stiffer paper, good condition. DELANe has introduced him to a Mr Moylan involving future employment. He'll contact Moylan. He continues: The whole question of our future position as regards the Gold Coast is very difficult and I wish much that I knew - as one important consideraiot in the case - what are the [rulings?] of the trade. I cannot learn with any certainty; but I have recently heard that Messrs. Swanzy, who, as you know, enjoy by far the largest share of the Coast trade w[oul]d be inclined to prefer the withdrawal of all Govt.

[Henry Ellis; British Museum; Mummies] Autograph Note Signed Henry Ellis to T.J. Pettigrew [sometimes known as Mummy Pettigrew, surgeon and antiquarian who became an expert on Ancient Egyptian mummies.] communicating [his] note.

Author: 
Henry Ellis, principal librarian at the British Museum.
Publication details: 
British Museum, 31 Jan. 1850
£45.00

One page, 12mo, fold mark, good condition. My dear Pettigrew | I have lost no time in communicating your Note to our Director,

[George Goschen; Delane of 'The Times'] Autograph Note Signed George Goschen to Mr Delane [Editor, The Times] about a Minute of his.

Author: 
George Goschen [George Joachim Goschen, 1st Viscount Goschen, (1831 – 1907), statesman and businessman].
Publication details: 
No place, 18 Nov.[no year]
£42.00

One page, 12mo, black-bordered, also bordered by slightly stiffer paper (frame). I enclose a proof (confidential) of my Minute. I have since altered the beginning but in the main the plan is sketched out, as, I think, it will ultmately stand. I hope you will concur - the [views?] , I wish we had funds at our disposal to carry out the arrangements [of?] our [own?] offices. At the very least this indicates how close Government and The Times were.

[Susana, Lady Walton] Autograph Note Signed Susana to Neil [Neil Tierney, author of a biography of William Walton], about letters to Walton, and photographs.

Author: 
Susana, Lady Walton (1926 – 2010), born Susana Valeria Rosa Maria Gil Passo, Argentinian wife of the British composer Sir William Walton (1902–1983), writer
Publication details: 
Lady Walton | c/o Tony Palmer | 4 Kensington Park Gardens | London W.11., no date.
£75.00

One page, 8vo, fold marks, good condition. Thank you for sending me a copy of Christabel Aberconway's letters. Her son, Lord Aberconway, has told me he has tried but failed to find any letters of William to her. A pity. She was a great friend to him. | Thank you for offering to send me the photographs returned by Robert Hale [publisher], I would love to have them. | I hope you are both well with all best regards [...]. See image.

[Arthur Hinsley, Catholic Prelate] Autograph Card Signed A Hinsley to Douglas, blessing his and displaying discomfort at being In Rome (no place of peace and rest), longing to return to Africa.

Author: 
Arthur Hinsley (1865–1943), English prelate of the Catholic Church. Sometime Archbishop of Westminster elevated to the cardinalate in 1937.
Hinsley
Publication details: 
[Headed] Mons. Arturo Hinsley | Vescovo Titulare di Sebastapoli | Rettore del Collegio Inglese in Roma. No date.
£45.00
Hinsley

Two sides of card with printed heading as above, 13 x 10cm, sl. crumpled but text clear and complete. Many hearty thanks for your kind letter of Dec. 20th and for all your kind wishes. May God bless you and all yours during the New Year and for all the years to come and for all Eternity. I am so overwhelmed with work annd so full of cold I have not been able to answer half my letters. Rome is no place of peace and rest for me. I shall have to get back to Africa as soon as I can. Give my love and my blessing to all the tender Olive shoots. How I wish I could see them.

[General Oribe; Howard de Walden, diplomat; Lisbon] Autograph Letter Signed Howard de Walden to Captain Waldegrave, of HMS Revenge, concerning Genl Oribe who was not welcome in Lisbob

Author: 
Howard de Walden [Charles Augustus Ellis, 6th Baron Howard de Walden and 2nd Baron Seaford GCB (1799 – 1868), diplomat and politician.]
Publication details: 
Private & Confidential | Lisbon, Dec. 18th, 1841.
£220.00

Howard de Walden was Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the court of Lisbon from 1833. ALS, 3 pages, bifolium, good condition. Genl. [presumably 'General') Oribe - one of the Spanish Refugees - concerned in the late revolt in Spain [First Carlist War probably] is anxious to leave the country. His presence here is embarrassing to the Port[uduese] Govt, - & the [Present?] m[inister] of For[eign] aff[airs] as well as L[or]d Aberdeen.

[Lord Roberts of Kandahar, Boer War commander.] Autograph Note Signed giving his vote, on back of printed card soliciting it for Caroline Constance Williams to gain admission to the Soldiers’ Daughter’s Home, Hampstead.

Author: 
Lord Roberts [Frederick Sleigh Roberts; Field Marshal Earl Roberts of Kandahar, V.C.] (1832-1914), Victorian soldier, Boer War commander [Soldiers’ Daughters’ Home, Hampstead]
Publication details: 
Roberts' note: 14 April 1888; 'India'. On printed card of the Soldiers' Daughters' Home, Hampstead.
£50.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. Written lengthwise on back of 11.5 x 7.5 printed card. The side of the card with Roberts’s autograph is discoloured but in fair condition, but there is slight loss along the inner margin of the printed side, resulting in some loss of text. Roberts’ autograph reads: ‘I give my vote / Fred. Roberts. / India / 14th. April 1888.’ The printed text states that Caroline Constance Williams, aged 8 years, was the daughter of Band-Sergt.

[‘If it suits me to sing it’. Mary Davies, Welsh mezzo-soprano, first President of the Welsh Folk Song Society.] Autograph Signature to conclusion of Autograph Letter Signed.

Author: 
Mary Davies (1855-1930), English-born Welsh mezzo-soprano, co-founder and first President of the Welsh Folk Song Society, principal vocalist at the London Ballad Concerts and 1906 National Eisteddfod
Publication details: 
6 October 1882; no place.
£50.00

On 11 x 14.5 piece of paper, cut for an autograph collector from the conclusion of a letter. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with light patches of discoloration and a couple of pin holes; laid down on piece of cream paper from album. One fold line. Reads: ‘[...] I will be very pleased to look through it and if it suits me to sing it. / With kind regards to all / Believe me to remain / Yours faithfully / Mary Davies’.

’ [Mrs Evelyn J[Sir William Davidson Niven, mathematician, Director of Studies at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich.] Autograph Letter Signed to his old acquaintance ‘Mrs Allan’, discussing her family and agreeing to cast a vote for her ‘candidate’.

Author: 
Sir William Davidson Niven (1842-1917), Scottish mathematician and electrical engineer, for thirty years Director of Studies at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich [James Clerk Maxwell; A. N. Whitehead
Publication details: 
10 April 1894; on letterhead of the Royal Naval College, Greenwich, S.E. [London.]
£90.00

In addition to acting as editor of the works of his colleague James Clerk Maxwell, Niven was the teacher of one of the greatest mathematicians and philosophers of the twentieth century, Alfred North Whitehead. The item is from the papers of the presumed recipient, Mrs Evelyn Julia Allan of the Chelsea Red Cross. 2pp, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Signed ‘W. D. Niven’ and addressed to ‘Dear Mrs Allen’. He was pleased to receive her letter, ‘reminding me of old times’, but he had not forgotten her, as he has ‘sometimes heard Dr. J. M Bruce speak about you & your family’.

[‘The most remarkable pulpit orator of his time’: James Parsons of York, Congregational minister.] Autograph Letter Signed to Rev. J. Rawlinson, discussing his ‘intended retirement from my Pastorate in York’.

Author: 
James Parsons (1799-1877) of York, Congregational minister, son of the preacher Edward Parsons (1762-1833)
Publication details: 
20 July 1870. High Harrogate [Yorkshire].
£90.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB, which characterizes him as ‘the most remarkable pulpit orator of his time’, and that of his father. 3pp, 12mo. On bifolium. Somewhat aged and with the recto of the first leaf grubby, but with text clear and complete, with thirty-three lines of text in Parsons’ close and neat hand. Signed ‘James Parsons’ and addressed to ‘Revd. J. Rawlinson’. He ‘must, reluctantly, decline to comply’ with Rawlinson’s request. He wonders whether he has ‘seen, or heard of an announcement in “the Leeds Mercury” with reference to my intended retirement from my Pastorate in York’.

[‘Missionary to the World’: Joseph Wolff, Jewish-German traveller and Church of England Vicar of Isle Brewers, Somerset.] Autograph Letter Signed attempting to clear up a confusion over agreeing a date.

Author: 
Joseph Wolff (1795-1862), traveller and Christian ‘Missionary to the World’, of Jewish-German origin, Vicar of Isle Brewers, Somerset, and father of Conservative politician Henry Drummond Wolff
Publication details: 
26 December 1851; Isle Brewers [Somerset].
£50.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, 12mo. In fair condition, on lightly creased and discoloured paper. Folded three time. Signed ‘Joseph Wolff’ and addressed to ‘My very dear Sir’. The letter concerns a confusion over a planned date, due to one of the recipient’s letters miscarrying and the other being received only ‘this moment’, and after his return from Norfolk. ‘I am most heartily grieved that unforeseen Parochial business of my own Parish will prevent me from leaving it before the 23d January. I therefore beg you to let me know when it will be convenient for you.’

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